Poker Goes Way Back

Poker and its many variants has been played for over three centuries. It is known to be the oldest game that has lasted with very little change. Throughout time, it has evolved and possibly will remain for centuries more.

Poker has three origins that each have a claim. The sources most historians allege were the basis of modern day poker are the Persian game of as nas, German pochspiel, and French poque. Poker's name derives from the French word poque which means to bluff.

The origins of the game have been debated for years. No one will ever know exactly from where poker came. However, there is no argument that it is an exciting and fun game to play.

In the United States, poker became popular during the Revolutionary War. The version of stud that used only three cards was the game of choice for soldiers. The five-card version became useful distraction during the Civil War.

Five-card poker began as a game for four people who were dealt the entire amount of a 20-card deck. This version eliminated the lower cards of a normal 52-card deck. The object of this game was to bet on who would have the best hand.

The game became more complicated once the game included all of the cards in a 52-card deck. The game also gained more popularity with the lower cards involved. Further than just a simple game between soldiers trying to forget where they were, this brought poker new popularity.

Historians also believe that poker became a gambling game in New Orleans during the 1800's expansion. It was next found on the riverboats traveling up and down the Mississippi. Riverboats can still be found with poker as a main attraction.

In this theory of the evolution of American poker, it is believed that the settlers and gold rush miners brought poker to the west coast. Saloons and casinos were built throughout the west, which offered various versions of poker and its derivatives. This helped establish poker's popularity in America.

In modern days, seven-card stud is the most popular version of poker played. It has become famous by Las Vegas casinos. Tournaments and tables have been specially made for the seven-card game called Texas Hold'em.

The different versions can be found at any casino and online. The only version that didn't make it into the pop culture of America is the original three-card version. This version seems to have stayed in the past.

Of the many things that have tested the tribulations of time, poker is the most exciting. Due to its durability and addictiveness, poker has lasted thus far. While some things remain a fad that has faded, poker will last as it is for another couple of centuries.

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